US Supreme Court allows Trump’s ballroom project to continue for now
The Trump administration has argued the $400m White House ballroom is needed for national security purposes.
Chief Justice John Roberts permitted construction to proceed on President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom while the Supreme Court reviews the administration's emergency appeal. His brief order stipulated that the temporary halt would persist "pending further order of the undersigned or of the court," but did not provide a rationale for the decision.
The ruling does not address the project's legal validity. Roberts or the entire Supreme Court might issue a later order granting or denying the administration extended relief. The Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court after a federal appeals court upheld limitations on the project. Solicitor General D. John Sauer contended in the administration's submission that the ballroom is part of a "comprehensive military complex" essential for "vital national security."
A split decision from a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on August 7 held that above-ground work could not commence without congressional approval. The court postponed its ruling for 14 days, granting the administration time to seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court. The appeals court's majority concluded, "Whether or not a substantial ballroom ought to be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help."
The lawsuit was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation following the demolition of the White House's East Wing to accommodate the proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon had already issued a preliminary injunction halting above-ground construction unless Congress authorized the project.
This order, however, allowed underground work, including a bunker and other security facilities, to continue. Government attorneys argued that the president possesses broad authority to renovate the White House and that the larger project encompasses upgrades aimed at safeguarding the president, his family, staff, and visitors from drones, missiles, and other threats.
Friday's order maintains the lower-court injunction's effectiveness while the Supreme Court examines the administration's request.
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